AJI
1601 Pearl St., 303-442-3464; www.ajirestaurant.com.

The Caribbean category is a bit limiting for this eclectic mix of Mexican, Latin American and South American cuisines. Aji features fresh ceviche, an excellent selection of Chilean and Argentinian wines, and classic Latin cocktails. Start off with empañadas made with poblanos and Asadero cheese or Venezuelan corn cakes with lobster and homemade butter. Inventive main dishes include pork tenderloin, sour-orange-and-garlic mojo with black beans and chayote squash; peanut-and-plantain-encrusted yellowfin tuna, yellow and red pepper salsa and banana rice; and grilled flatiron steak with chimichurri, purple potatoes and field greens. For dessert, try the milk-soaked white cakes or empañadas with Mexican chocolate and banana-rum ice cream. Happy Hour daily 3-6pm features $2.50 drafts, $3 house wines, $4 mojitos, $3.50 empañadas and $4 ceviche. Open daily 11am-close. MC, VISA, AMEX, DISC.

CANOPY GRILL 2770 Arapahoe Rd. #116, Lafayette, 303-666-1130. Caribbean cafe with extensive authentic menu. Open for lunch and dinner.

CENTRO (formerly Rhumba) 950 Pearl St., 303-442-7771. Latin kitchen and "refreshment palace."

TORTUGA’S 218 Coffman St., Longmont, 303-772-6954. Cajun, Caribbean and Florida-style cuisine.